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Just graduated and want to explore the world before you start working? Want to explore your true passions in life?
Interested in doing volunteer work in far flung and exotic places in-between a key life stage? Then you may possibly want to take a gap year out!
Graduated? You literally have your whole life in-front of you! The choices are endless and it can all be overwhelming (in a positive sense!). As life is not all about books / studying, taking a prolonged period off after graduation is increasingly popular. Here, you can gauge your interests, find your passions and find out who you really are! The people you meet and new experiences will change your outlook on life and make you become more balanced as a person. Taking a gap year can entail a diverse range of possibilities! These include:
* TRAVEL! See the world, expand your horizons and learn about different cultures and ethnicities!
* MEET NEW PEOPLE! You will meet people from different countries with diverse upbringings.
* VOLUNTEER! Grab the opportunity to work on interesting development projects in Africa or Latin America! Future employers and universities always look for students whom have contributed back to society.
There are many advantages to taking a gap year!
Source: http://www.tellmehowto.net/howto/what_are_the_advantages_of_a_8348
* TAKE A WELL EARNED BREAK! It is a chance for a break and to do something different! Education has been essentially all that you've known!
* DEVELOP CONFIDENCE! Many people find that it helps with their self confidence and sense of independence.
* TIME TO FOCUS ON STRENGTHS! A gap year can help you focus and work out just what you want to do at university or for work.
* FUNDRAISING WORK! You could engage in fundraising for the experience or to help with your travel costs or work part time or full time during the gap year period.
* EMPLOYERS BENEFIT! Some employers find it attractive when a person takes a gap year and does something productive. Your travels, experiences and time abroad will definitely give you a competitive edge over other job seekers!
* ONCE IN A LIFE TIME! Once you enter the world of work and responsibility it can be hard to have the chance to take time out of your career again until retirement.
* CATERED FOR! Organizations specifically catered towards helping gap year students now exist and can help you plan your trip and give vital advice in emergency situations.
A gap year is thrilling and a huge adventure but as always it is important to be SAFE and take all the necessary PRECAUTIONS!
* SAFETY! When travelling take simple yet vital precautions. These include knowing your surroundings, photocopying your passport / visa, avoiding trouble spots, not ‘flashing’ the cash, travelling in a group if possible and avoiding scams aimed at travelers.
* UPDATES! With the widespread use of the internet, remember to update friends and family on your current location and set a specific time / date to call back home.
* HEALTH! Before you head out around the world, make sure you see your doctor for a body check up and to take all the necessary vaccinations. When abroad, make sure you know what food items you are consuming and don’t take unnecessary risks with drugs and alcohol.
* INSURANCE! Your health is important and if something does happen, the medical costs can skyrocket! Save yourself and your family unnecessary stress by purchasing insurance!
* CULTURAL SENSITIVITY! What is acceptable in your own country or culture may not be deemed acceptable in other nations! Please read up on the country you are going to and respect local laws and customs.
Life is short and once you ‘settle’ with your job, family and mortgage, it becomes increasingly more difficult to ‘drop’ everything and follow your interests. Having a gap year will not only broaden your horizons, it will allow you to see the world, know yourself better and undergo life changing experiences!
Dream Big!
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Comments
Aha to be young again
If I had the choice, I would definitely choose to take a gap year before continuing my college education. The reason?
To gain real life experience, so that back at school, I could apply and understand how the theory we learn about might fit and apply and work, in real life. This is something that happened to me when I graduated from college and started working, the application of theory to real life, what a buzz :)
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~ Margaret (Mags)
'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'
Chrissy - age 6